OHIO ISSUE 2: 5 TRUTHS BEHIND THE MYTHS

MYTH: Public employees have too much power, and the public agrees. TRUTH: A recent Gallup poll found that 61% of the public oppose taking away some collective bargaining rights of most public employee unions. A recent Quinnipiac Poll found that only 34% of the people in Ohio support this proposal.

MYTH: Issue 2 is reasonable and asks public workers to pay just 15% and 10% of their healthcare and pension premiums. TRUTH:All public employees are ALREADY REQUIRED BY LAW to pay 10% of their pension, and all state and county workers already pay 15% or more for their health care. In fact, Ohio’s teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public employees have already made great sacrifices, saving Ohio taxpayers $350 million dollars to help fix the budget crisis.

MYTH: Public employees are overpaid, and their salaries need to be brought in line with the private sector. TRUTH: A recent Rutgers University study found Ohio public employees earn 6% less on a yearly basis than their peers in the private sector. They earn 3.5% less on an hourly basis. The average OAPSE (Ohio Association of Public School Employees) enrollee makes $24,000 a year and retires with an average pension of $900 a month. Public employees do not pay into or receive Social Security.

MYTH: Issue 2 is needed to help balance the budget and stimulate job growth. TRUTH: Issue 2 destroys jobs and lowers wages. You cannot create jobs by destroying jobs. If Issue 2 passes, owners of shops, gas stations and other small businesses across this state will be forced to lay off workers or close their doors.

MYTH: Public employees need to make a sacrifice to reduce the state’s projected $8 million budget shortfall. TRUTH: Ohio is 44th of 50 states in per capita spending on government workers. State employees have taken a pay freeze five times in 9 years. In the last contract negotiation, state employees voluntarily took furloughs and made other financial sacrifices that saved $250 million and an additional $100 million in health Care costs.

One response to “OHIO ISSUE 2: 5 TRUTHS BEHIND THE MYTHS”

excellent, I’ll relocate my buosiness. stuffed defined benefit pensions versus my 401-k and I pay for your pension? So, I vote with my feet…you get less tax $..and eventually you’ll be up the creek without any paddles. Have fun. loads of manufacturers have relocated because of these attitudes, now the service sector will follow.